Biden Delayed Dropping Out Over Doubts Harris Could Win Election: Axios

(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

President Joe Biden’s hesitation to drop his re-election bid stemmed partly from concerns about Vice President Kamala Harris’ ability to defeat former President Donald Trump in an election, according to sources in the White House.

Axios reporter Alex Thompson said that three of Biden’s aides familiar with private talks about his plans relayed to him the president’s concerns about Harris as a viable nominee this November in an article published just one day after Biden announced he was dropping out and endorsed his vice president.

Biden ultimately withdrew under party pressure, but his reservations are now a focal point as Harris moves swiftly to consolidate support and fend off potential challengers.

Despite endorsements from Biden , the Clintons and several Democratic lawmakers, senior lawmakers figures like Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer , and former President Barack Obama have not yet endorsed her.

Obama refrained from endorsing Harris explicitly and remarked in a statement on Sunday: “We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.”

Thompson’s piece goes on to scrutinize Harris’ vice presidency, looking at high staff turnover and her cautious political approach. Of the 47 staffers she had in 2021, only five remain. Former aides attribute this turnover to her demanding management style, dubbed “prosecuting the staff.”

Relations between Harris’ office and the West Wing, Axios reported, have been strained. White House aides felt Harris avoided risky tasks, while Harris’ team believed the White House didn’t support her adequately. Despite these tensions, Biden praised Harris, calling her selection “the best decision I’ve made.”